Hundreds of residents and traders, on Saturday, escaped death when a 33,000-litre petrol tanker fell and spilled its content at the busy Isinkan Roundabout in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The driver of the tanker was said to be on his way to the NNPC petrol station in Akure to dislodge its content when the accident occurred. Officers of the Fire Service were said to have arrived early enough to prevent a conflagration.
Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that the accident happened at about 7 am, as the driver sought to negotiate a bend.
Blessing Olowolawi, an eyewitness, told SaharaReporters that the driver fled the scene immediately after the tanker toppled over out of fear being lynched by residents of the area.
Miss Olowolawi added that the accident caused a massive traffic gridlock on the road, which connects the Arakale, a major street, to and Oba Adesida Market.
"Vehicular movement was heavily impeded immediately after the incident. Many residents, including traders, trooped to the scene to scoop fuel," she said.
SaharaReporters' correspondent saw residents and some street urchins scooping fuel, with officers and men of the Ondo State Police Command monitoring the situation at the scene to prevent further havoc.[slideshow]52715[/slideshow]